Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Don't Starve coming April 24, six months of additional content to follow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/dont-starve-coming-april-24-six-months-of-additional-content-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/dont-starve-coming-april-24-six-months-of-additional-content-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/dont-starve-coming-april-24-six-months-of-additional-content-t/#comments Don't Starve, Klei Entertainment's upcoming survival PC game, is slated to launch on April 24 for $15 on Steam, the Mark of the Ninja developer told Joystiq at PAX East today. Don't Starve drops players into a procedurally-generated world in which they guide their character through an island on a quest to survive the elements.

The game operates on the notion that in order to survive, players must balance three gauges: health, hunger and sanity. As the character loses his or her sanity, they will begin to see creatures that exist only in their heads, which also gradually become more real and more hostile.

"You can entirely lose all of your sanity, and then come back from that," Sound designer Matthew Marteinsson said. "There's lots of things you can do to keep up your sanity: you wear dapper clothing, you pick flowers, you do civilized things, and then your sanity comes back." The game offers an advantage to those that lose their sanity, as some items can only be collected when players are severely unstable.

The game won't just feature its main character, Wilson, but will include other unlockable characters with their own special abilities. One example shown at PAX East was Willow, a girl that lights her own fires when the screen goes pitch black during the game's night cycle.

Klei Entertainment is promising six months of free content to come after the game's full release in April. Don't Starve is currently in closed beta, during which Marteinsson says the team has released additional content every two weeks.

JoystiqDon't Starve coming April 24, six months of additional content to follow originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dont-starveklei-entertainmentpax-eastPAX-East-2013pcrelease-dateSat, 23 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mark of the Ninja 'Special Edition' DLC adds flashback level, new play style]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/mark-of-the-ninja-special-edition-dlc-adds-flashback-level-ne/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/mark-of-the-ninja-special-edition-dlc-adds-flashback-level-ne/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/mark-of-the-ninja-special-edition-dlc-adds-flashback-level-ne/#comments
Klei Entertainment is adding to its delightful 2D stealth game Mark of the Ninja with a "Special Edition" DLC meant to evoke a "Criterion Collection" release of the original. The DLC, due this summer for a mysteriously invisible price, adds a flashback level starring the tattoo artist Dosan, a new equippable play style including a "nonlethal takedown ability," a new stealth-focused item, and a "more direct" new item.

As a "Criterion Collection" addition, Klei also recorded developer commentary, which can be accessed at "commentary nodes" throughout the game, in six different languages.

If you successfully infiltrate PAX East, you'll be able to get a sneaking peek at the Special Edition at Klei's booth. It will be released on both Steam and XBLA.

Continue reading Mark of the Ninja 'Special Edition' DLC adds flashback level, new play style

JoystiqMark of the Ninja 'Special Edition' DLC adds flashback level, new play style originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcklei-entertainmentmark-of-the-ninjamicrosoftpax-eastspecial-editionxboxTue, 19 Mar 2013 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Mark of the Ninja slashed to $5 on Steam this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/mark-of-the-ninja-slashed-to-5-on-steam-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/mark-of-the-ninja-slashed-to-5-on-steam-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/mark-of-the-ninja-slashed-to-5-on-steam-this-weekend/#comments One of Joystiq's favorite games of 2012, Mark of the Ninja, is on sale on Steam this weekend. From now until 10am PT Monday morning, you can snag the 2D stealth game for just five bucks. Now you can spend all that extra scratch on some new caltrops. Or tacos. You know, ninja tacos.

JoystiqMark of the Ninja slashed to $5 on Steam this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>klei-entertainmentmark-of-the-ninjapcFri, 01 Mar 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Don't Starve demonstrates why Forbidden Knowledge is forbidden]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/dont-starve-demonstrates-why-forbidden-knowledge-is-forbidden/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/dont-starve-demonstrates-why-forbidden-knowledge-is-forbidden/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/dont-starve-demonstrates-why-forbidden-knowledge-is-forbidden/#comments

Don't Starve's main man, Wilson the gentleman scientist, is a curious fellow. He's odd, yes, but he's also an inquisitive, clever person with a mind for mad machines, at least after his possessed radio reveals the secrets of the universe to him.

Klei Entertainment's animated short, "Forbidden Knowledge," shows how Wilson became involved in the strange world within the game, while showcasing its quirky, creepy art style. Think Courage the Cowardly Dog meets South Park in sepia tones. Or just watch the above video.

Don't Starve is a wilderness survival game for PC that blends science, magic and fancy vests. It's in open beta, available on Steam now for 20 percent off before its launch in late March.

JoystiqDon't Starve demonstrates why Forbidden Knowledge is forbidden originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dont-starveklei-entertainmentpcsciencewilsonWed, 27 Feb 2013 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Top 10 of 2012: Mark of the Ninja]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/01/joystiq-top-10-of-2012-mark-of-the-ninja/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/01/joystiq-top-10-of-2012-mark-of-the-ninja/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/01/joystiq-top-10-of-2012-mark-of-the-ninja/#comments Traditionally, being a "ninja" in a video game means you have supernatural speed and strength, and as such you feel confident running down a street in broad daylight, slicing through anything in your path. Role models like Joe Musashi and Ryu Hayabusa exemplify the video game ninja, a super-strong, invincible monster who feels no compulsion to seek shadows, unless those shadows are full of still-unperforated alien monsters.

In Mark of the Ninja, you're just as supernaturally capable as any NES-era ninja, able to cling to almost any wall and grapple from vantage point to vantage point instantly. But Klei Entertainment built this ninja game around the stealth you'd expect from the profession, and did so in a way that feels every bit as natural as Ryu tossing a column of flame at an eagle.

Continue reading Joystiq Top 10 of 2012: Mark of the Ninja

JoystiqJoystiq Top 10 of 2012: Mark of the Ninja originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jan 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Best-of-2012Game-of-the-Year-2012joystiq-best-of-2012klei-entertainmentmark-of-the-ninjamicrosoftpcxboxTue, 01 Jan 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Canadian Indie Bundle on Steam: Superbrothers, Shanks and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/canadian-indie-bundle-on-steam-superbrothers-shanks-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/canadian-indie-bundle-on-steam-superbrothers-shanks-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/canadian-indie-bundle-on-steam-superbrothers-shanks-and-more/#comments Our brothers and sisters in The Great White North are getting some time in the spotlight today with a new bundle on Steam. The Canadian Indie Bundle packages together games from Klei Entertainment, Capybara Games, Gaslamp Games and more for $14.99.

Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery EP, Shank and Shank 2 highlight this Canadian Indie Bundle, joined by Space Pirates and Zombies, Waveform, Hoard, Dungeons of Dredmor and Capsized. Many of the games in the bundle offer SteamPlay between Windows and Mac OSX.

JoystiqCanadian Indie Bundle on Steam: Superbrothers, Shanks and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadian-indie-bundlecapsizedcapybaracapybara-gamesdungeons-of-dredmorgaslamp-gameshoardklei-entertainmentmacpcshankshank-2space-pirates-and-zombiessuperbrothers-sword-and-sworcery-epwaveformTue, 23 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Mark of the Ninja now on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/16/psa-mark-of-the-ninja-now-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/16/psa-mark-of-the-ninja-now-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/16/psa-mark-of-the-ninja-now-on-steam/#comments

Klei Entertainment's Mark of the Ninja is now live on Steam, completely in the open and totally unguarded against online purchases of $14.99. As for the trailer, it certainly isn't helping the 2D stealth game stay undetected.

Incidentally, Klei isn't resting its laurels after sending Mark of the Ninja on its way. The developer's next project is Don't Starve, described as "an uncompromising wilderness survival game full of science and magic." So, a bit like Half-Life 2 then? Oh wait, we've just seen the video, never mind.

JoystiqPSA: Mark of the Ninja now on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>klei-entertainmentmark-of-the-ninjapcsteamTue, 16 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mark of the Ninja creeps onto Steam October 16]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/mark-of-the-ninja-creeps-onto-steam-october-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/mark-of-the-ninja-creeps-onto-steam-october-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/mark-of-the-ninja-creeps-onto-steam-october-16/#comments Mark of the Ninja creeps onto Steam October 16Mark of the Ninja is coming to Steam next month, arriving on October 16 priced at $14.99. Klei Entertainment told Rock Paper Shotgun about the PC port's details, including that Games for Windows Live won't be a part of it.

Klei's 2D stealth-a-lot came to Xbox Live Arcade earlier this month. Mark of the Ninja certainly made an impression on Ludwig of the Joystiq, with his review saying the game "shines a light on the stealth genre, revealing the qualities you knew were there but couldn't quite see."

JoystiqMark of the Ninja creeps onto Steam October 16 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Sep 2012 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>klei-entertainmentmark-of-the-ninjapcrelease-datesteamMon, 24 Sep 2012 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Mark of the Ninja review: Kneel in the shadows]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/mark-of-the-ninja-review-kneel-in-the-shadows/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/mark-of-the-ninja-review-kneel-in-the-shadows/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/mark-of-the-ninja-review-kneel-in-the-shadows/#comments Stealth games are really about a guy trapped in a temporal loop, forced to repeat his actions until he can shake off the mysterious clumsiness that has overridden years of tip-toeing experience. "Why would I just roll into that spotlight like an idiot?" wonders the grizzled agent, now on his fifth run through a secret terrorist compound. "Crap, landing on that grate was much louder than I thought." Cue alarms and a return to the last save point.

Mark of the Ninja makes it awfully hard to be an oaf dressed in black. No, it hasn't been streamlined to the point of auto-play, and the inherent challenge of avoiding detection hasn't been crushed into a pulp to please the plebes. Rather, developer Klei Entertainment has flattened the genre into a legible, two-dimensional blueprint. That's why things are more likely to go according to plan.

Gallery: Mark of the Ninja (E3 2012)

Continue reading Mark of the Ninja review: Kneel in the shadows

JoystiqMark of the Ninja review: Kneel in the shadows originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Sep 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>klei-entertainmentmark-of-the-ninjamicrosoftstealthXBLAxboxThu, 13 Sep 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mark of the Ninja not-so-sneakily arrives on XBLM today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/07/mark-of-the-ninja-not-so-sneakily-arrives-on-xblm-later-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/07/mark-of-the-ninja-not-so-sneakily-arrives-on-xblm-later-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/07/mark-of-the-ninja-not-so-sneakily-arrives-on-xblm-later-today/#comments Mark of the Ninja not-so-sneakily hits XBLM later today
Mark of the Ninja sneaks onto Xbox Live Marketplace today for 1200 MSP. Not that it's any good at sneaking, as Klei Entertainment just broadcasted the side-scrolling stealth game's arrival with a new trailer.

Joystiq's head ninja spoke with Klei's Nels Anderson this week, focusing on how the team wants strong, flexible play while avoiding the frustration stealth games can cultivate.
"I thought the abundance of outlines threatened to make this an easy game, but my early takeaway is that your actions are easier to read, predict and eventually master. Understanding how the game and its systems work shouldn't remove the danger, just the "gotcha" of trial-and-error learning. 'Even though we try to make things very clear and very explicit,' Anderson says, 'we still want to facilitate people being able to be experimental and feel that they can safely take risks, without giant chunks of their progress being held hostage.'"

JoystiqMark of the Ninja not-so-sneakily arrives on XBLM today originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Sep 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>klei-entertainmentmark-of-the-ninjamicrosofttrailerXBLAXBLMxboxFri, 07 Sep 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Klei Entertainment's next course: 'Don't Starve']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/klei-entertainments-next-course-dont-starve/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/klei-entertainments-next-course-dont-starve/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/klei-entertainments-next-course-dont-starve/#comments
Klei Entertainment keeps feeding us games, this time with 'Don't Starve'
Klei Entertainment, developer of the Shank series and Mark of the Ninja, has another game up its sleeve, this one called Don't Starve.

Don't Starve is "an uncompromising wilderness survival game full of science and magic," done in a hauntingly charming art style, and it's available now for $6.99 as an early access beta. The beta is browser-based, through the Chrome Web Store, but the full game will be standalone.

That price gets players two beta keys - one for a friend - and the full game on Steam once it launches. Check out the above trailer for Don't Starve and hop on the beta train at this stop.

JoystiqKlei Entertainment's next course: 'Don't Starve' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betadont-starveearly-accessklei-entertainmentpcMon, 27 Aug 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mark your calendars: Mark of the Ninja coming Sept. 7]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/mark-your-calendars-mark-of-the-ninja-coming-sept-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/mark-your-calendars-mark-of-the-ninja-coming-sept-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/mark-your-calendars-mark-of-the-ninja-coming-sept-7/#comments Mark your calendars Mark of the Ninja Summer of Arcade ends with Dust: An Elysian Tail, but cool XBLA releases continue after the promotion. Klei Entertainment's Mark of the Ninja, a unique side-scrolling stealth-action game, will launch on September 7.

Klei "really wants" to follow the XBLA release with a PC version, the developer tweeted. However, no definite announcements have been made toward that goal, so XBLA is currently the only place to hide in a vent, shoot out a spotlight with a shuriken, and then silently dispose of nearby guards. Legally, anyway.

JoystiqMark your calendars: Mark of the Ninja coming Sept. 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>klei-entertainmentmark-of-the-ninjamicrosoftrelease-datexblaxboxTue, 14 Aug 2012 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Mark of the Ninja snuck some E3 assets into our galleries]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/11/mark-of-the-ninja-snuck-some-e3-assets-into-our-galleries/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/11/mark-of-the-ninja-snuck-some-e3-assets-into-our-galleries/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/11/mark-of-the-ninja-snuck-some-e3-assets-into-our-galleries/#comments
Mark of the Ninja E3 media
Mark of the Ninja, the shadowy, stealthy ninja title from Klei Entertainment, is set to launch this summer on XBLA, and the above E3 trailer shows why you should be so excited for it. Well, not too excited - at least try to keep the noise down. There's no reason to make it easy for the ninjas to find you.

Gallery: Mark of the Ninja (E3 2012)

JoystiqMark of the Ninja snuck some E3 assets into our galleries originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2012klei-entertainmentmark-of-the-ninjamicrosoftXBLAxboxMon, 11 Jun 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Indie Bundle challenges your definitions, is live on Steam now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/ea-indie-bundle-challenges-your-definitions-is-live-on-steam-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/ea-indie-bundle-challenges-your-definitions-is-live-on-steam-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/ea-indie-bundle-challenges-your-definitions-is-live-on-steam-no/#comments ImageThe EA Indie Bundle (yes, we assure you, it is barely-100-percent-mostly-ish possible for EA to have an indie bundle) is live on Steam, offering 70 percent off a package of six titles from four indie developers, or half off each individual game.

Included in the sale is Warp, Shank, Shank 2, DeathSpank, DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue and Gatling Gears. The DeathSpank titles are $7.50 individually and are available on PC and Mac through Steamplay, while the rest of EA's indies cost $5 and are PC only.

Indie Game Magazine first spotted the bundle in the super-secret Steam registry files this morning. The sale is now officially on, set to disappear from Steam in one week on May 9.

JoystiqEA Indie Bundle challenges your definitions, is live on Steam now originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundleDeathSpankDeathSpank-Thongs-of-VirtueEAElectronic-ArtsGatling-GearsHothead-GamesIndieindie-bundleklei-entertainmentmacpcsaleshankshank-2STEAMtrapdoor-incVanguard-GameswarpWed, 02 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Eets: Munchies is Klei's new title, man]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/eets-munchies-is-kleis-new-title-man/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/eets-munchies-is-kleis-new-title-man/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/eets-munchies-is-kleis-new-title-man/#comments Yesterday CEO of Klei Entertainment Jamie Cheng casually announced he was working on a new Eets title during the Q&A of the Failure Workshop panel at GDC, and today he told Joystiq that it is indeed a thing, and it has the munchies. Er, we mean, it's called Munchies. Cheng showed us a brief demo of Munchies on the iPad, and it looks appropriately adorable for the next Eets game, starring the classic bunny-like main character and clean cartoon graphics, in line with the screen from the first Eets shown above.

Eets: Munchies is coming to the iPad for sure, but Cheng has yet to reveal other platforms. He said the title is far from being complete.

JoystiqEets: Munchies is Klei's new title, man originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eetsEets-Munchiesgdc-2012iosipadjamie-chengklei-entertainmentmobileWed, 07 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Klei Entertainment chowing down on new Eets title]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/klei-entertainment-chowing-down-on-new-eets-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/klei-entertainment-chowing-down-on-new-eets-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/klei-entertainment-chowing-down-on-new-eets-title/#comments Klei Entertainment, creator of the Shank series, is working on a second installment of its other original franchise, Eets, studio co-founder Jamie Cheng said at GDC today. Cheng presented at the Failure Workshop, showing off the many iterations and doomed decisions of Eets: Sugar Rush, a title Klei worked on for four years before it was canceled for good.

Cheng said Klei was burnt out on Sugar Rush (later renamed Scrappers), so the new Eets title will probably have more to do with healthful eating habits and complete objects than anything else. We'll have more details on the failures of Klei, Supergiant Games, Enemy Airship and Northway Games in a separate story later today.

JoystiqKlei Entertainment chowing down on new Eets title originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eetsgdcgdc-2012jamie-chengkleiklei-entertainmentmacmicrosoftpcshankshank-2xboxTue, 06 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Klei Entertainment teases XBLA 'Mark of the Ninja' with text adventure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/klei-entertainment-teases-xbla-mark-of-the-ninja-with-text-adv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/klei-entertainment-teases-xbla-mark-of-the-ninja-with-text-adv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/klei-entertainment-teases-xbla-mark-of-the-ninja-with-text-adv/#comments If you can make the right choices in this interactive text adventure, you too can see a teaser video for Klei Entertainment's upcoming Xbox game Mark of the Ninja.

Due this summer, Mark of the Ninja is a side-scrolling "stealth ninja game" with heavily stylized graphics, that involves reticle-targeted ninja devices like a grappling hook, caltrops, and throwing knives. Judging by the clip (and the preceding text game), the goal is to set up traps for unsuspecting enemies, and kill them undetected.

The video suggests that Mark of the Ninja is a Microsoft Studios-published game, which, combined with the release window, makes it a very likely candidate for a Summer of Arcade promotion.

JoystiqKlei Entertainment teases XBLA 'Mark of the Ninja' with text adventure originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>klei-entertainmentmark-of-the-ninjamicrosoftsummer-2012xblaxboxMon, 27 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shank 2 review: Refined brutality]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/shank-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/shank-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/shank-2-review/#comments
Evidence would suggest that the developers at Klei got together in a board room and said, "Shank was really good. We should do another game exactly like it, only a little bit better." And wouldn't you know it, that's exactly what they did. Shank 2 could be mistaken for its predecessor at first glance, with similar 2D visuals and fast-paced violence. But look a little deeper and you'll find a little more meat, a little more nuance and, somehow, even more brutality.

Gallery: Shank 2 (2/8/12)

Continue reading Shank 2 review: Refined brutality

JoystiqShank 2 review: Refined brutality originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsklei-entertainmentmicrosoftpcplaystationps3shank-2xboxFri, 10 Feb 2012 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Shank 2 video schools us all on survival]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/shank-2-video-schools-us-all-on-survival/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/shank-2-video-schools-us-all-on-survival/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/shank-2-video-schools-us-all-on-survival/#comments
In Shank 2's Survival mode, you may think staying alive is simply slicing and/or shooting dudes before they slice and/or shoot you. Turns out, it's not that simple.

JoystiqShank 2 video schools us all on survival originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaklei-entertainmentmicrosoftpcplaystationps3shank-2survival-modexboxSun, 05 Feb 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Building a better game in Shank 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/shank-2-building-a-better-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/shank-2-building-a-better-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/shank-2-building-a-better-game/#comments For insight on how to develop a successful game, you need only look to Klei Entertainment CEO Jamie Cheng's approach to Shank 2. Aware that the main knock against the first game was its repetition, Cheng and the rest of the development team decided to rethink their approach to the design.

"When we started work on Shank, we had never built a brawler or fighting game before," Cheng told me. "We tried to provide the best scenario possible, but when we looked at the game as a whole, we realized that a lot of the scenarios tended to repeat themselves."

As a result, Cheng said, the team decided to take a more holistic approach to the design of Shank 2. Enemies have been designed in such a way that they can't be defeated using the same tactics, and the mechanics have been tweaked. Blocking, meanwhile, has been removed entirely, which makes the combat flow even better and helps emphasize dodge rolls and the new counters.

Continue reading Building a better game in Shank 2

JoystiqBuilding a better game in Shank 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electronic-artsklei-entertainmentmicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnshank-2xblaxboxFri, 20 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shank 2 cuts in on February 7 in North America, February 8 in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/shank-2-cuts-in-on-february-7-in-north-america-february-8-in-eu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/shank-2-cuts-in-on-february-7-in-north-america-february-8-in-eu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/shank-2-cuts-in-on-february-7-in-north-america-february-8-in-eu/#comments Shank 2 will leap onto, shoot, stab, stab, shoot, slice, throw a grenade at, and shoot digital platforms starting February 7, when it arrives on PSN and PC in North America. The worldwide XBLA release, along with the European PSN version, will follow on February 8. The price is set for $10, € 9.99, or 800 Microsoft Points, depending on your choice of platform and continent.

Shank 2's marquee feature is a new co-op survival mode that pits two players against a never-ending supply of enemies, so start looking for a friend with the same violent predilections you have.

... Actually, when we put it that way, that sounds like a bad idea.

Continue reading Shank 2 cuts in on February 7 in North America, February 8 in Europe

JoystiqShank 2 cuts in on February 7 in North America, February 8 in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kleiklei-entertainmentmicrosoftmicrosoft-studiospcplaystationps3psnq1-2012release-dateshank-2xblaxboxThu, 19 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shank 2 gameplay clip is fun for the whole bloody family]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/shank-2-gameplay-clip-is-fun-for-the-whole-bloody-family/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/shank-2-gameplay-clip-is-fun-for-the-whole-bloody-family/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/shank-2-gameplay-clip-is-fun-for-the-whole-bloody-family/#comments
We really should pay Shank back that $30 we owe him before he comes knocking on our door.

JoystiqShank 2 gameplay clip is fun for the whole bloody family originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Jan 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaklei-entertainmentmicrosoftpcplaystationps3shank-2xboxSat, 07 Jan 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Co-op carnage abounds in new Shank 2 screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/co-op-carnage-abounds-in-new-shank-2-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/co-op-carnage-abounds-in-new-shank-2-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/co-op-carnage-abounds-in-new-shank-2-screens/#comments Sure, it feels good to murder hundreds and hundreds of non-descript video game henchman, but you know what's even better? Doing it with a friend, of course!

Continue reading Co-op carnage abounds in new Shank 2 screens

JoystiqCo-op carnage abounds in new Shank 2 screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 07:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaklei-entertainmentmicrosoftpcplaystationps3shank-2xboxWed, 26 Oct 2011 07:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Shank 2 announced during EA Vegas press conference, coming 'early 2012']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/shank-2-announced-during-ea-vegas-press-conference-coming-earl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/shank-2-announced-during-ea-vegas-press-conference-coming-earl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/shank-2-announced-during-ea-vegas-press-conference-coming-earl/#comments
Electronic Arts is hosting a gaming press event in Las Vegas this week, and was promising the reveal of "at least one completely new title" and it looks like that title is ... Shank 2?

In EA's liveblog, when asked "Is this the 'new ip' ?," EA's Andy Katkin replied, "You got it Mike." We're as confused as you are, but this other comment by Katkin may provide some insight. "Shank 2 isn't just a reboot of Shank," Katkin wrote, "it's an entirely new game." Klei Entertainment's Jamie Cheng said, "What we did was rip the game apart and reconstruct it to allow us to have more responsive controls and better graphics. We tore our combat system apart ... and created new controls to be able to use the enemies' weapons against themselves."

Klei also added an online co-op mode, a feature largely tacked onto the original, by way of a "prequel" level. "Instead of just giving another co-op campaign that you play once and never play again," Cheng explained, "we took the mechanics and created a new way of playing: multiplayer co-op survival mode." We don't know what that string of buzzwords means either, but we suspect we'll find out soon enough (horde mode, right?).

Shank 2 will be "available in early 2012," on the same digital distribution services as the original, including XBLA, PSN, and PC.

Gallery: Shank 2 (XBLA/PSN/PC)

JoystiqShank 2 announced during EA Vegas press conference, coming 'early 2012' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-partnerselectronic-artsklei-entertainmentmicrosoftplaystationps3PSNshank-2xblaxboxTue, 27 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Klei Entertainment on 'The Journey to Creating Shank']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/klei-entertainment-on-the-journey-to-creating-shank/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/klei-entertainment-on-the-journey-to-creating-shank/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/klei-entertainment-on-the-journey-to-creating-shank/#comments Klei Entertainment was pushed to the verge of bankruptcy during the development of its ultra-violent, Desperado-inspired action game, Shank. Studio founder Jamie Cheng described some of the more tumultuous periods in the game's development at a GDC panel on Tuesday morning, admitting that stress even managed to crack his normally calm demeanor.

In order to remain afloat and complete Shank, Klei introduced temporary (and optional) employee wage reductions with interest, and Cheng himself took out a bank loan against his house in January 2010. The studio was offered a lifeline from an unnamed publisher, but it declined the offer and opted for a fairer, less constrictive deal with EA Partners. "We kept the IP, we kept the creative freedom; it was the good stuff," Cheng said.

Continue reading Klei Entertainment on 'The Journey to Creating Shank'

JoystiqKlei Entertainment on 'The Journey to Creating Shank' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-partnersgdc-2011jamie-chengklei-entertainmentmicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnsalesshanksteamxblaxboxTue, 01 Mar 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre-order PC Bulletstorm from EA Store, get Shank for free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/pre-order-pc-bulletstorm-from-ea-store-get-shank-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/pre-order-pc-bulletstorm-from-ea-store-get-shank-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/pre-order-pc-bulletstorm-from-ea-store-get-shank-for-free/#commentsEvery, um, cloud in a Bulletstorm has a silver lining, because it's full of steel Shanks. Okay, that belabored metaphor is supposed to refer to the fact that if you pre-order the PC download version of Bulletstorm from EA's store, you'll get a free download of Klei Entertainment's side-scrolling action game Shank.

We just wanted to say it in a more poetic way than "buy this one game about committing thousands of bloody murders, and get another game about bloody murders for free," okay? The deal is good only with purchases of the $60 Bulletstorm Limited Edition, through Feb. 21.

JoystiqPre-order PC Bulletstorm from EA Store, get Shank for free originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bulletstormea-storeelectronic-artsepic-gamesklei-entertainmentpcpeople-can-flypre-ordershankThu, 10 Feb 2011 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Eets unleashed on Mac, 75% off via Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/eets-unleashed-on-mac-75-off-via-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/eets-unleashed-on-mac-75-off-via-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/eets-unleashed-on-mac-75-off-via-steam/#comments Klei Entertainment's Eets, a puzzle/platformer hybrid reminiscent of Lemmings, finally has a Mac version --- and it's available via Steam. In fact, it's being discounted 75 percent in a launch promotion, meaning you can snag a copy for a paltry $2.50. It's a SteamPlay release, so you get both the Mac and PC version in one purchase.

It's a fun, totally charming game that we'd never have guessed would be the precursor to Klei's most recent release: the blood-soaked, hardcore action title Shank. They're ... what's the term? ... oh yeah, polar opposites.

JoystiqEets unleashed on Mac, 75% off via Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eetsklei-entertainmentmacpcsteamThu, 09 Dec 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shank and 'Spank now available on PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/shank-and-spank-now-available-on-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/shank-and-spank-now-available-on-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/shank-and-spank-now-available-on-pc/#comments Shank and DeathSpank are ready for action now on Steam for $15 apiece. Shank doles out death in what the movie advertisements will refer to as a roaring rampage of revenge, while DeathSpank delivers demise at the end of a punch ... line.

We enjoyed both titles when they were first released over the summer on consoles. We found Shank to be a "cure for murder" (but please consult your physician before taking Shank) and said DeathSpank was "built on a solid foundation of time-tested gameplay and bacon."

JoystiqShank and 'Spank now available on PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deathspankEAElectronic-ArtsHothead-Gamesklei-entertainmentpcshanksteamWed, 27 Oct 2010 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shank takes a stab at Steam on October 26]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/shank-takes-a-stab-at-steam-on-october-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/shank-takes-a-stab-at-steam-on-october-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/shank-takes-a-stab-at-steam-on-october-26/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Klei Entertainment's stylish murder-em-up, Shank, has been dated for Steam, according to the latest trailer issued by EA. On October 26, anxious arterial-spray aficionados can work their craft via Valve's Steam service -- as seen in the image above, pre-ordering the game also knocks off 10% of its $14.99 asking price, bringing it down to $13.49.

Oh, you don't believe us? Really? We thought we got past your trust issues, Reginald? Well, head past the break and check out the trailer for yourself, then feel super guilty for ever doubting us.

Continue reading Shank takes a stab at Steam on October 26

JoystiqShank takes a stab at Steam on October 26 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-partnersklei-entertainmentpcq3-2010release-dateshanksteamThu, 07 Oct 2010 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Shank devs looking into busted 360 Achievements and chugging cinematics]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/shank-on-360-has-some-busted-achievements-and-chugging-cinematic/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/shank-on-360-has-some-busted-achievements-and-chugging-cinematic/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/shank-on-360-has-some-busted-achievements-and-chugging-cinematic/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Shank dual machetes
Recently released kill-em-up Shank has split critics - 1UP says it's the "freshest, most unequivocally rewarding beat-em-up game to come along in almost a decade" while Gamespot claims "style can't quite overcome the lack of substance in this fun though shallow brawler" - but surprisingly it's also caused a fissure in the console world. So while the PS3 version continues along, with no problems in sight, the Xbox 360 release suffers two issues on certain systems.

First, users who played the Xbox Live trial and then - eager to continue their kill-a-thon - purchased the title to start earning some of those sweet Achievements ... well, we've got bad news. Klei's Jamie Chang writes on the game's site that "if you unlock the Trial on the 360, there's a chance that the first two achievements are not unlocked." The good news: the team at Klei has "already got a fix for this" so you'll get your 'cheevos just as soon as that's rolled out.

The other, and less significant, issue: chugging cinematics. Cheng notes that "older Xbox 360's have slower disc access rates, so the opening cinematic chugs, and loading between levels takes longer." This never came up in testing and doesn't actually affect the gameplay in any way, but that's got to be doubly annoying. Slow load times off a hard drive?

The good news is, we're hearing about this is on Klei's site very soon after complaints started appearing on message boards, and Cheng and Co have already pledged to address the issues. And, as a sort of strange, machete-themed penance, they're offering the above image in wallpaper format. We imagine it's metaphorical: Shank is Cheng, and each machete is for one of the aforementioned bugs ... or it's just a picture of Shank. You could interpret it either way, really.

JoystiqShank devs looking into busted 360 Achievements and chugging cinematics originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAEA-PartnersKlei-EntertainmentmicrosoftshankxboxThu, 26 Aug 2010 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Shank review: Always Be Murdering]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/shank-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/shank-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/shank-review/#comments You've probably noticed that critics often employ flowery language when they're trying to describe hyper-violence, whether it's a "bullet ballet" or a "symphony of destruction." Never one to use my evolved human intellect to mask primal urges, I'm going to try to explain the appeal of Klei's side-scrolling kill-'em-up Shank in the most basic, honest terms possible. If the game's not employing the slightest bit of nuance, I don't see why I should have to.

Shank is a lot of fun because it lets you murder a lot of different people in a lot of different ways, and I think you should buy it.

Gallery: Shank

Continue reading Shank review: Always Be Murdering

JoystiqShank review: Always Be Murdering originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-partnersklei-entertainmentmicrosoftplaystationps3psnshankxblaxboxTue, 24 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This Wednesday: Shank and Scott Pilgrim beat up XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/this-wednesday-shank-and-scott-pilgrim-beat-up-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/this-wednesday-shank-and-scott-pilgrim-beat-up-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/this-wednesday-shank-and-scott-pilgrim-beat-up-xbla/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's a great week for Xbox 360 owners who possess a great deal of pent-up aggression, as the two-week PSN exclusivity of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World comes to a halt this Wednesday, August 25. The highly stylized, chiptune-enhanced beat 'em up will run you 800 Microsoft Points ($10), which is roughly equivalent to the price of a Scott Pilgrim movie ticket -- an item apparently covered in some kind of fatal, diffusive poison.

If you're looking for a beat-'em-up with more ... well, stabbing, you'll also be able to pick up Klei Entertainment's Shank for 1200 Microsoft Points ($15). That's a little bit more than the entry fee to Scott Pilgrim, but we're sure that's only because of discrepancies in the Canadian/American currency exchange rate.

Gallery: Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (PS3, Xbox 360)

JoystiqThis Wednesday: Shank and Scott Pilgrim beat up XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>klei-entertainmentmicrosoftscott-pilgrim-vs-the-worldshankthis-wednesdayubisoftxblaXblaWednesdayxboxTue, 24 Aug 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Download the Shank soundtrack, watch the launch trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/download-the-shank-soundtrack-watch-the-launch-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/download-the-shank-soundtrack-watch-the-launch-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/download-the-shank-soundtrack-watch-the-launch-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Your hands won't be able to play Shank until this week's PSN Tuesday/XBLA Wednesday update goes live, but your ears will be able to listen to the entire game's soundtrack. Big Download has the 13-track OST available for download, without any messy DRM to worry about.

If that's not enough for you, your eyes will be able to watch the game's bloody launch trailer. Be warned, though. If you get queasy from violence, your stomach might also partake in the festivities.
Download the Official Shank Soundtrack (46 MB)

Continue reading Download the Shank soundtrack, watch the launch trailer

JoystiqDownload the Shank soundtrack, watch the launch trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>klei-entertainmentmicrosoftpcplaystationps3shanksoundtrackxboxTue, 24 Aug 2010 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Hear some of Shank's tracks, and see Shank's tracksuit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/20/hear-some-of-shanks-tracks-and-see-shanks-tracksuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/20/hear-some-of-shanks-tracks-and-see-shanks-tracksuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/20/hear-some-of-shanks-tracks-and-see-shanks-tracksuit/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It may seem strange to receive an update on Klei Entertainment's XBLA/PC/PSN action game Shank that doesn't have anything to do with brutal gun, knife, or gun/knife/knife/gun/chainsaw violence, but you'll like this anyway. In advance of next week's release (August 24 on PSN, August 25 on XBLA, "Fall" on PC), Klei has posted six songs from the game's soundtrack.

In addition, the company revealed a few of the unlockable costumes in which you'll be able to clothe Shank, including a Bruce Lee-inspired yellow jumpsuit (no Kareem Abdul-Jabbar footprint, though) and a shirtless "Red Ninja" getup.

JoystiqHear some of Shank's tracks, and see Shank's tracksuit originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ea-partnersklei-entertainmentmicrosoftmusicpcplaystationps3PSNshankXBLAxboxFri, 20 Aug 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shank video cuts together some combo footage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/11/mini-shank-combo-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/11/mini-shank-combo-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/11/mini-shank-combo-trailer/#comments Klei Entertainment and EA shot some footage, chopped it up and tossed it like a grenade onto the internets to give a better idea of Shank's combo system. Get a feel for the XBLA and PSN title's stylishbutton mashing after the break.

Continue reading Shank video cuts together some combo footage

JoystiqShank video cuts together some combo footage originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 22:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsKleiklei-entertainmentmicrosoftplaystationps3PSNshankXBLAxboxWed, 11 Aug 2010 22:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Shank concept art digs into our hearts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/shank-concept-art-digs-into-our-hearts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/shank-concept-art-digs-into-our-hearts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/shank-concept-art-digs-into-our-hearts/#comments In two weeks time, you'll be viciously ripping through enemy after enemy with ... well ... shanks, but in the meantime we've got a handful of concept art for the game Shank. While we're looking forward to playing it as much as you likely are, this art sure is purty to look at. It'll do ... for now.

Gallery: Shank (Concept Art)

JoystiqShank concept art digs into our hearts originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concept-arteaea-partnerselectronic-artskleiklei-entertainmentmicrosoftplaystationps3psnshankxblaxboxTue, 10 Aug 2010 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Shank dated for late August, priced at $15; adds co-op mission [update: new screens, video]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/shank-dated-for-late-august-priced-15-adds-co-op-mission/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/shank-dated-for-late-august-priced-15-adds-co-op-mission/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/shank-dated-for-late-august-priced-15-adds-co-op-mission/#commentsShank co-op One half of EA Partners' downloadable duo has already been released -- DeathSpank came out last week and was greeted by Joystiq with open arms-- and now we know when the second half will be released. Klei Entertainment's slick arcade brawler Shank will be released on PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade on August 24 and 25, respectively, for $15.

In addition to those pesky details, a press release also reveals a new gameplay mode: "a special co-operative mission, designed to be played with a friend locally [...] This prequel mission allows players to play as Shank or his partner-in-crime Falcone, with deadly double-team moves and gameplay that encourages teamwork."

It sounds like the co-op is limited to a single, "prequel" mission, which is a bummer; however, Shank's charm has always been its good looks, and you can enjoy that all by yourself.

Update: By way of Shack, it looks like the official Shank site has added some details about the co-op campaign, which they say has levels and bosses really designed around cooperative play. The official site also dates the PC release as "fall 2010" so, that's something, right PC gamers? Check out some co-op screens in the gallery below.

Gallery: Shank (co-op)

Continue reading Shank dated for late August, priced at $15; adds co-op mission [update: new screens, video]

JoystiqShank dated for late August, priced at $15; adds co-op mission [update: new screens, video] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EA-Studio-Showcase-2010Klei-Entertainmentmicrosoftplaystationps3PSNrelease-dateshankXBLAxboxTue, 20 Jul 2010 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[BAFTA-winning God of War writer working on Shank]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/bafta-winning-god-of-war-writer-working-on-shank/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/bafta-winning-god-of-war-writer-working-on-shank/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/bafta-winning-god-of-war-writer-working-on-shank/#comments While you wouldn't think a game with a title as brutally simple as Shank would need a heavyweight in the whole "writing" department, Electronic Arts recently announced that Marianne Krawczyk, who won a BAFTA award for her work on the God of War franchise, will contribute to Klei Entertainment's action-platformer.

In a recent EA press release, Krawczyk said, "we are creating a story that will allow gamers to explore a world where values like integrity and loyalty take on their own twisted meanings." We assume said story will be related between opportunities to stab things using two knives simultaneously -- a genre which is quickly becoming Krawczyk's literary bread-and-butter.

JoystiqBAFTA-winning God of War writer working on Shank originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 May 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baftaeaElectronic-Artsgod-of-warklei-entertainmentMarianne-KrawczykMicrosoftshankwriterwritingxblaXbox-360Thu, 13 May 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Shank]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/hands-on-shank/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/hands-on-shank/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/hands-on-shank/#commentsWe are, and I don't think I'm being premature about this, in the thrall of a full-on 2D renaissance courtesy of digital distribution platforms like XBLA and PSN. Developers are realizing that modern technology plus a less technically demanding perspective can lead to a really beautiful end product.

That's the case with Shank, a fluid, violent brawler that artfully combines a sort of 2D Devil May Cry blend of sword- and gunplay with a Saturday morning animation style to create the coolest cartoon your mom would have never let you watch.

Gallery: Shank (PAX East)

Continue reading Hands-on: Shank

JoystiqHands-on: Shank originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hands-onklei-entertainmentMicrosoftpax-eastpax-east-2010psnshankxbox-360Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[See a cut of Shank gameplay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/see-a-cut-of-shank-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/see-a-cut-of-shank-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/see-a-cut-of-shank-gameplay/#commentsWith Shank now being published by EA, Klei Entertainment is putting the increased development budget to good use -- with a trailer! Well, it's likely there would be a trailer this week anyway, as this week also marks the hyper-violent XBLA/PSN/PC brawler's appearance at the Independent Games Festival.

The brutal violence may dominate the trailer, but our eyes were immediately drawn to the acrobatics. There's so much somersaulting, swinging, hanging, and other exciting-looking methods of movement that they even manage to distract us from the usually thrilling shoot-stab-saw combos on display.

JoystiqSee a cut of Shank gameplay originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsklei-entertainmentMicrosoftpsnshankxblaXbox-360Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST